Thursday, August 12, 2010

Albam Crew Sweatshirt

Fall is crew neck sweatshirt weather if there ever was any so it's just about time to lock it down. I'll admit that this should be an easy process in theory, but it's actually a pain in the ass - the sweatshirt market is heavily segmented much to the dismay of guys trying their best to look 1/100th as put together as Steve McQueen. The cheapest of the cheap, such as your standard Champion joint at Kohl's or whatever, is going to fit like shit in most cases even if you size down. If you up your budget and hit J. Crew or Lands End Canvas you're going to find better options, but, once again, fit is tailored to cast as wide of a net as possible. This still leaves lots of guys with sagging arm holes and a blousing effect at the waist. Finally, if you bite the bullet and turn your sweatshirt focused gaze to Japan you are going to find a ton of great options, but who really wants to spend $200 or so dollars on a gray sweatshirt even if it is loop-wheeled. So where can one find quality materials, construction and fit for around a single Benjamin? I'm thinking Albam.

I discovered Albam about a year ago when I was looking for the perfect yellow rain slicker (not unlike this similar hunt for a gray crew neck). They had it, but it was sold out. As you can imagine, I was bummed. Regardless of walking away empty handed at that particular time, Albam has stayed on my radar as one of the great new brands out of the UK specializing in classic inspired, minimalist gear (Oi Polloi compares them to APC). Well, it looks like I may be able to redeem my rain slicker travesty. Right now Albam is selling what appears to be the answer to any and all gray crew neck conundrums. Their Athletic Crew Sweatshirt sells for about $107 (before shipping) and hits it all the right places. The classic detailing is there (v-stitched placket, no branding) as well as some new aspects like side rib paneling to allow for extra movement and flat locked seams (let's hear it for sweatshirt technology!). The most important thing, fit, is also apparently taken into account. Albam has "improved the cut" of their previous models to keep things streamlined. Add a washed "lived in" softness on top of all that and you have yourself what appears to be a pretty damn good option for next season. The only downside to this (and it's kind of a big one) is that those of us who don't live in England can't try it on as far as I know (update: South Willard with be stocking Albam this Fall). If you can get hands on with it, don't think twice. If you cant, but are feeling nasty take the plunge - you can always return it. Sadly, I find myself in the latter category, but at this point anything is better than walking into a Kohl's. I'll let you guys know what I think of mine when it arrives.

Also, I am highlighting what I believe is a good product from a brand I personally enjoy. That's the purpose of this blog. It's not supposed to be taken as a literal buying guide of how to spend all your hard earned money on clothes.

Right -- I can just pay to ship it back to the UK if it turns out to be just another sweatshirt.

You've never tried it on, and have only seen it pictured hanging on a hanger. Do I have that right?

Obviously this isn't a buying guide. I'm just asking about basis of your "enjoyment" of this item, which is just another "premium" iteration of a boring staple as far as I can see. If it boils down to a brand image and marketing copy that resonates for you, then fine.

Incred- Here is my thought process on this one. I've had non-"premium" gray crew necks before and have been dissatisfied with them. I believe it is a staple of any guy's wardrobe so I want ONE that I can consistently wear in F/W. Albam is a brand I enjoy and respect. I have seen their stuff in person thanks to friends who already have purchased their gear. The stuff is well made and, in my eyes, justifies the price tag (which really isn't that bad either). So when I saw they were selling a new and improved gray sweatshirt I decided to buy one and alert others.

CM- I always hit brick and mortar when I can. Trying things on in person is without a doubt the way to go if you can swing it. When you write a blog such as mine you want to direct all your readers, regardless of where they live, to the products/brands you are enthusiastic about. Luckily in this day and age, most things can be found online.

I picked up this number (http://www.gq.com/images/style/2010/04/spring-10-point-plan/crewneck-club-monaco.jpg) from Club Monaco on sale for $20 a few months back. The fit is on point -- I rock it all the time. If they have a new version of it this season, it comes highly recommended.

Personally, I don't think a sweatshirt is supposed to be overly fitted. For that, I'll put on a sweater. Sweats should be a little baggy, and I prefer a ribbing with some genuine pull, which is going to give you some of that blousing effect. But that still looks better to me than a waist that just hangs there (in a sweatshirt, at least).

All that said, the garden variety sweatshirt available in most US dept. and sporting goods stores still fits poorly. Too baggy, arms too short and cheap fabric that loses its shape immediately. I will look forward to a hands on review of this item if you ever post one.

Some people are not supported by anyone but themselves, have no trust fund, and pay for school (or have student loans galore) etc. If you pull the trigger on this piece, okay, if you don't it might be because housing et al makes it difficult or impossible.

I do think this blog has a younger and less affluent readership. If I was older, and with more money than brains I would read Selectism exclusively.

Others have the money but are thrifty/cheap w/e. Being wealthy and frugal are not mutually exclusive.

@ YYG

Are you from Charlottetown and quoting Canadian pricing? YYG is their airport code. Canadian cities got shafted eg. YYZ?! There are no Y's or Z(ed)'s in Toronto!

Anyways, for the reasons above, LAS- your blog is one of my top 3 faves. Don't go all selectism on us if you become a baller.

I dont know why Anon 3:27 thinks this blog is for younger or less affluent people, LAS posts plenty of high quality posts and I honestly dont think that the younger demo would be interested in many of his columns. I personally do think $107 is a slightly high price to pay for a gray sweatshirt but Ill probably buy it because LAS is right, its a wardrobe staple. I saw a post on another blog with a roundup I wish I knew where is was.Anyone know?

Nice post. I need to get a crew sweatshirt but it won't be this one. Anyone know where to find a fitted one in medium tall for under $100? Checked Gap and Old Navy and they just have full-zip hoodies in tall sizes. Thanks

BOOO this.If you're going to spend tons of money on a grey crewneck sweatshirt, buy a RINGSPUN japanese made one like Buzz Ricksons or Studio D'artisan (what I have). Albam might have the cut right, but in terms of materials and construction there is no beating japanese attention to detail.

also the japanese ones are only $150, not $200 like the article says. If you add shipping + import duties (which are very unpredictable sometimes i've had to pay 15%!) from the UK you end up paying the same for an inferior product which you can't try on. Do yourself a favor and go to blueingreen or selfedge and get the real deal.

Somewhat confused by your comment. "YYG" is my initials, but I actually AM from Toronto (YYZ). I did, however, purchase the sweatshirt in New York, where I go to school, and thus I am not quoting Canadian prices. Hope this clears things up!

1. SI was just talking about a staple. No big deal here.2. Sure, he doesn't really know how it will fit. That's why I look forward to reading his next post about it. Keep us posted when you get it, SI. 3. Difference between SI and other blogs out there: Typically posts about things most of us can afford, sometimes posts about things that's kind of high-priced (and he admitted this was a bit high priced). Prob one of the more down to earth blogs out here these days, so cut him some slack for a little internet drooling. 4. Other difference between SI and other blogs out there (including ACL): some people act like dicks on the internet, in Anon fashion, and SI handles it with class. Probably one of the least obnoxious people to read out there. Keep doing what you do; many of us enjoy it. 5. Lastly, I appreciate the output on this blog. This guy posts every day, multiple times a day. So he waxes poetic? Good. I want to read updated blogs - including prose and pictures.

Oh, and really, please keep us posted about the fit. I've been eyeing Albam for a while now and would like to get a review from someone I trust.

YYG is the airport code for Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. I was just wondering. You don't hear of many people from PEI on style blogs. jks.

I most certainly *think* that Sart. Inc. is more for the younger reader. If that is not LAS's aim, I apologise. His coverage of stores that are everywhere and prices that are more reasonable make it a much more laudable ethos, as opposed to the expensive dick measuring style some have.

I just bought a J Crew Crew Neck (vintage wash) on sale for $29.99. I tried it on and at first wasn't to impressed with the fit . I sat on it for a day and thought to myself... "What kinda look am I going for anyway?" I decided that everything doesn't have to always be trim and slim so I went back and picked it up. I think it will be a nice piece to keep and will get better with time. I can probably dress it up by throwing an oxford underneath or keep it casual and role the sleeves up. I really hope the goal with all this is to dress better, feel good, have fun and just be inspired.

I can say, having been to the store, and having purchased one—it is a quality sweatshirt, and they have a well-curated selection of clothing. They do a few things, and they do them extremely well. The service is great, and they go out of their way to help those from the western side of the pond. Albam is one of my favorite shops in London.

I found one at Uniqlo for around $20 that fits like it was made for me. It was, however, at Uniqlo in Tokyo. I'm not sure if Uniqlo in New York would have something comparable although I would assume it does.

I actually just picked up a Jack Spade sweatshirt on Zappos for 30% off. Pretty slick deal. It looks a little more refined than this one, but I can understand wanting one a little more traditional. Keep doing your thing LAS.

Albam makes decent looking clothes at fairly reasonable prices, but the cuts are always off. I bet this sweatshirt, even with it's "improved" cut, still fits badly. Look at how wide the sleeves are, and it looks like they don't taper at all, which I find is important.

American Apparel makes the flimsiest everything I have seen in a store purporting to sell quality clothes. I suppose there is no reason to make clothes that last longer than the few weeks people will wear them before they forget about them -- too bad they don't use that philosophy when it comes to pricing.

I got a merle sweatshirt from Gap this summer from the clearance rack for $6.95. Beautiful blue-gray color. V-stich placket, no branding. Great fit, no sagging armholes or bunching at the waist. Tell me again, why should I pay $107 plus shipping for that Albam sweatshirt?

Nice post, I really appreciate the commentary about the sweater. I found this post while linking through from google images,looking forever to find a clean picture of this style,colour, fabric weight.

I have to say this is my favorite fall/winter trend for the last two seasons and probably at least one more. (or a take-off)

I do have two things to add to what you have already commented.

1. everyone can wear this sweater, all shapes and size male or female and look cute and comfortable. Its also very easy to make more dressy (think collared shirt a solid colour complementary to your skin type under) *** Just be sure to buy a size up it's supposed to look baggy thats the current twist on this classic trent ***2.$110?? You can get this look for 8 dollars!!! be real people! this sweater staple might as well be 100 years old. If you only got 8 bucks pop to a 2nd use or vintage shop you'll find one.